Chapter 17: MEMORIES-TWO.
The evening air was cool, a gentle breeze sweeping through the mostly empty streets. The once-bustling roads had quieted, the glow of streetlights flickering on as night settled in. Hua Rong walked alongside Xu Lingwei, their steps unhurried, the rhythmic sound of their footsteps filling the silence between them.
"Why doesn't anyone come to pick you up?" Hua Rong asked, tilting her head toward him.
Xu Lingwei kept his gaze forward, his hands tucked into his pockets. "Didn't you say you wanted to hang out?" he replied. "That's why I told them not to send a car.
Hua Rong blinked in surprise before a small smile crept onto her lips. "So, where are we going?" she asked, though, in truth, she hadn't decided yet. She had invited him out, fully expecting him to refuse—but he hadn't. That, in itself, was unexpected.
Xu Lingwei thought for a moment before answering, "I don't really hang out anywhere."
Hua Rong tilted her head curiously. "Then why did you agree to come with me?"
At her sudden closeness, he instinctively stepped back, his expression growing slightly frustrated. "Because you always ask me," he muttered. "And I got tired of refusing you."
Without another word, he turned on his heel and walked ahead, leaving Hua Rong behind. She blinked, then quickly caught up, grabbing his wrist before he could get too far.
"What are you doing?" Xu Lingwei asked, tugging his arm back.
"You said you don't go out much," Hua Rong replied, tightening her grip. "That means you rarely walk around on your own. What if you get lost?"
His movements stilled, and for a moment, Hua Rong swore she saw the tips of his ears turn red. His lips parted, but no words came out.